How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you’re struggling to focus at work and lose your keys, you may have ADHD. Proper diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Here are symptoms and risk factors that you should be aware of. If you have one of these symptoms, get diagnosed with ADHD as soon as possible. This way, you can control your symptoms and find ways to deal with them. Here are some of the common symptoms of ADHD.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD can also be accompanied by learning disabilities and problems with language or motor skills. ADHD can also be a result of other conditions, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression. These conditions can also affect attention span and sleep. For children with ADHD, there are several ways to improve their focus and attention. For starters, parents should pay attention to the child’s age.
ADHD symptoms can be diagnosed by different health care professionals. For example, doctors must look for certain symptoms in a child when the child is older. The symptoms must occur regularly and in two or more settings. Although only a healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD, it is best to read the full list of symptoms and discuss them with your health care provider. If you’re not sure whether your child has ADHD, check out our free health newsletter.
Causes Of ADHD
Although we do not yet fully understand the causes of ADHD, the scientific, clinical, educational, and family practices associated with ADHD are associated with the disorder. If ADHD were a natural entity, an efficient cause would be obvious. In fact, these practices might modify ADHD expression in genetically susceptible individuals, as well as modify the level of impairment and the extent of conduct disorder. Here are some theories on the causes of ADHD. Toxic chemicals, developmental issues, and problems with the central nervous system are also known to increase the risk of ADHD. Premature birth, substance use, and other developmental problems are also linked to the disorder.
Regardless of the cause, the main problem with treating ADHD is preventing the development of new symptoms. While the cause is still unknown, the most common symptoms include hyperactivity and inattention. Toxins like pesticides, PCBs, and benzene are linked to ADHD, but further studies are necessary to make definitive conclusions. The causes of ADHD are complex and interrelated. By identifying the triggers early, parents and clinicians can treat the disorder and prevent the progression of symptoms.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is one of the most important steps in the treatment process. Your primary care provider can give you the proper diagnosis for ADHD. However, some individuals are not aware that they may have ADHD until they become adults. The symptoms of ADHD outpace an individual’s coping skills and cause significant problems in their everyday life. If you’re not sure whether you or your child has ADHD, make an appointment with a mental health professional. Mental health professionals can help you assess your symptoms and administer tests for ADHD.
The first step in the assessment process is to gather information about your symptoms and how you function. Your clinician will want to know about your daily challenges and your relationships with family and friends. They may ask you to fill out questionnaires and review health records. The healthcare provider will also ask you to complete rating scales to monitor the severity of your symptoms. The goal is to determine whether you can benefit from a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
Risk factors for ADHD are largely determined by genetics, but environmental and lifestyle factors may also play a role. Genetics accounts for about 80% of cases, and environmental factors play a secondary role in the development of ADHD. Risk factors associated with pregnancy and childbirth fall into three main categories. Prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine is associated with increased risk for ADHD. Prenatal viral infections and birth weight are associated with an increased risk for ADHD as well.
The likelihood of developing ADHD is two to eight times higher when a parent or sibling has the disorder. Although the familial nature of ADHD has not been formally established, some research suggests a connection. Twin studies have demonstrated that siblings born in separate households can develop ADHD. Moreover, monozygotic and fraternal twins share at least 50 percent of their genes. Finally, exposure to synthetic compounds is thought to increase the risk for ADHD in children.
Complications Of ADHD
Adults with ADHD may have difficulties finding jobs, maintaining organizational skills, accepting constructive criticism, and getting along with co-workers. They also may have trouble controlling their emotions and may be prone to substance abuse and vehicle accidents. Some suffer from sleep-related problems. The disadvantages of being open about your ADHD diagnosis are many and vary from person to person. If you suspect your child may have ADHD, you should consult a qualified mental health professional to help them manage the disorder.
The prevalence of adult ADHD is higher in studies published in 2011 than in 1985. This increase in adult prevalence is not surprising given that ADHD is a complex disorder. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD have higher odds of enduring it throughout their lives. Because adult ADHD symptoms can persist, medical professionals need to provide balanced information to help the individual manage their condition and to minimize the effects on family members. A thorough evaluation will be needed to determine the best course of treatment for the individual.
